Update: It appears that the mysterious new controller could be revealed much sooner than we first thought.
On the original FCC application, a note read that all confidential material had an expiry date of 16th March 2022 (more details on that can be found in our original article below). This has now been changed, however, with Nintendo opting to have the application's confidentiality expire on 24th September 2021, potentially spelling an official reveal at some point this week.
As explained by OatmealDome, the original application still shows the old date, but the new date can be spotted here.
Original Article (Thu 16th Sep, 2021 14:40 BST): A new FCC application suggests that a brand new Nintendo Switch controller may well be on the way, and it looks like it could be unveiled in the very near future.
As spotted by Twitter user @SamusHunter2, the application is simply labelled as 'Nintendo Game controller' and was published for the first time today, 16th September 2021. FCC IDs are assigned to devices registered with the United States Federal Communications Commission and are required to legally sell a wireless device in the country.
Applied for by Nintendo Co., Ltd, the new product's FCC ID is 'BKEHAC043', which gives us our first clue as to what the product could be. 'HAC' is the code used for all Nintendo Switch products (the Switch itself has 'HAC-001' written on the back, the left Joy-Con is 'HAC-015', Ring Fit Adventure's Ring-Con is 'HAC-022', and so on), proving that 'HAC-043', a section of the ID chosen by the applicant, is referring to something Switch-related.
So we know the filing has been prepared for a new Switch controller, but what could that controller be? Two options immediately jump to mind, the first being a new controller designed for use with Nintendo Switch Online.
Intriguingly, the official SNES controller for Switch, designed for use with Switch Online's SNES app, has the product code 'HAC-042'. Could 'HAC-043' be the next in line – perhaps an N64-inspired controller, or a Game Boy-style option to go alongside the recent rumours? Perhaps for another system entirely?
The second option that seems relatively plausible is a new Pro Controller that could launch alongside the Switch OLED next month, perhaps adding to Switch's recent Bluetooth audio update by finally offering a controller with a headphone jack or other new features. Of course, all of this is purely speculation on our part for now – we'll have to wait and see what the product turns out to be.
As for when we'll learn more, well, hopefully that won't be too long away. The application's confidential material has an expiry date of 16th March 2022, meaning the FCC will no longer be obliged to hide information relating to it from that date. It's safe to assume we'll hear about whatever the controller is sometime before then.
Intrigued? Feel free to share your thoughts on what this controller could be in the comments below.
[source fccid.io, via twitter.com]
Comments 120
Very interesting, hope it is a new pro controller with a white color scheme and bluetooth support. maybe pro joy cons?
Another totally real rumour from Mr. Iam Sirius, who knows a guy who knows a guy whose dad works at Nintendo!
File this under: believe when seen.
N64 maybe which would be nice
it's gonna be something you stick to your forehead and the game that will feature the controller is going to be a quiz where you'll answer by nodding your head.
A Game Boy style controller, of cause
Having this alongside the OLED wouldn't be a bad idea. Not convinced it'll be enough to replace my trusty pro controller though
All they need to do is fix joycon drift and the false inputs on the Pro Controller d-pad... then everything would be fine.
A more powerful bluetooth connection between joycon and console would also be nice.
Unless the OLED supports Low Latency codec, along with this potential new controller, a headphone jack won't be useful.
@SonOfVon like the microgame in Smooth Moves?
Maybe it's just an updated Joy Con but with the drift fixed?
Jk, this will never happen.
I want a controller for the switch lite that you can mount on the sides and connect via bluetooth. Sort of like a grip case but it has joycons built in. Moving forward on my left analog is already buggy, sometimes I have to use a some force to make my player go sprint instead of walk. Doubt it will happen though so just wishful thinking.
maybe a gameboy themed controller for nso gameboy games
Wireless Metal DDR mat controller for Nintendo Switch ?
@stinky_t dk, haven't played that one. When there were labo rumors I made an outlandish prediction and guessed correctly so that's what I'm sticking with
A controller to go along with Metroid Dread perhaps? The Samus Stimulator?
@Clarice dang, that sounds kinda hot
Does everything except address drift issues
@jrt87 +1 on the Hori SPP. Worth every single penny and the sticks response are even better than the Dualshock when playing shooters IMO. The Nintendo Procon is crazy expensive and I never considered buying it. Might as well get some wireless PowerA instead as for that money you can buy 2 on a sale.
Once upon a time there was something called 'news'! News was a type of information that would often be full of facts and official announcements. Not rumours anyone of us could make up.
@CharlieGirl
I think fake leakers like SamusHunter are big frauds, but this FCC filing is indeed real.
I am thinking that it is NOT a new controller but rather an official Switch Bluetooth Headset or Earbuds.
Hopefully a new joy-con with a d-pad for gameboy
@SonOfVon Dread & Wet, baby...🤤
Intersting! Cant wait to see it
SWITCH POWER GLOVE CONFIRMED!!!
If you want a Game Boy-inspired controller, just get the G Classic Edition of the 8BitDo Pro 2 or the SN30 Pro.
@InJeffable The point with a gameboy styled controller would be to use it in handheld mode.
@SonOfVon well I like the sound of that anyway, I'm hoping this comes true
I'm voting for official bluetooth headset.
Hopefully N64 or something to replicate the feel of a Game Boy, although not sure how the second one would work. Game Boy Advance joy cons would work though.
Sadly as there is only one not two it's unlikely to be revised joycons that address drift and other issues.
Hopefully a pro controller a build in microphone and with Bluetooth (Thus iPad support)
Just give me an official joy con with a d-pad
Dpad please 🙏
Actually I modded mine to have it and it works great so nevermind
More of this type of rumour, backed by proof, and less of the some random internet charlatan said something and we are going to give him air time so we can both get clicks.
I'm hoping for an improved joycon seeing the joycon are so rubbish. If I speculate though, it could also be a special voice chat enabled controller that makes you prove you are over 21 by using the lR scanner on your wrinkles and then checks your ability to swear and bully small children via a microphone, and if you are old, and like swearing at kids, it connects to the nearest PS4, PS5,watershed TV or the internet.
The sky is the limit on this rumor. The only speculative thought I have to add is it could be a Gameboy mini system, but I'd have to check the NES/SNES mini codes, which I'm not near at present.
N64 here we come!
Wireless Power Glove controller incoming!!!
Or maybe we're finally getting a proper U-Force controller to play NES Online games the way they were meant to be played.
I'm hoping it's either an N64 controller for N64 switch online games or a Gameboy Classic Edition.
But it could either be the Joycon with an angled top like in the patent from ages ago or a headset/headphones.
It'll most likely be nothing due to it being a rumor.
Nintendo reveals a whole ass Gameboy to use on your Switch lmao
@SonOfVon nodding intensifies
I vote for the Switch hula hoop, personally. I wanna be able to play Dark Souls while constantly wiggling to make the character run.
@Fighting_Game_Loser LOL Here guys enjoy your brick
@jrt87 agreed
The New Switch "Oops, All Drift!" Controller!
@Guitario Got any links to the D-pad solution you opted for?
This HAC code stuff doesn't prove anything, but it does give a pretty indication that it's Switch related. What was the NES controller's HAC code?
New Nintendo Switch Joycon with Drift+ Tech. Same control more of that great drift we refuse to admit exists.
Also...what if its an N64 controller? They did NES and SNES for the classics maybe they will announce N64 games and a N64 wireless controller???
Lmao it's just a full gameboy without the screen
@danemord
Same here. I had someone put different color shells on mine along with a d-pad, but found that it didn't work well (wrong inputs detected), presumably because the joy-con doesn't have a central pivoting thing there to help it work properly. So I had the person swap it back out with the same color shell but the original directional buttons...
It would be nice if they ever sold one with a proper d-pad, for the many people like myself that don't ever use individual joy-cons for controllers.
Some new Joycons. I’ll pay whatever they want
Nintendo Switch Super Pro Controller, featuring Bluetooth support, USB-C charging, headphone jack, HD rumble, gyroscope, NFC support, improved D-Pad, all with a white finish.
Maybe they've finally redesigned the joy con so they won't drift anymore.
New peripheral for Ring Fit 2.
Analog triggers for racing games!? 🤞🤞
I’ve not enjoyed a Nintendo d-pad since the DS Lite. The Wii U d-pad was okay but a little wide. I just use the stick for everything now and no hope for d-pads being good again
Probably some peripheral gimmick.
A new joy con with extra Drift?
Really I want a pro controller with analog triggers
It's a Jump Rope controller for Switch Pro.
Could it not be the new pair of white joy-cons, quite simply?
Joy cons that don't drift please
A pro with a voice chat option
Wireless Bluetooth earbuds like airpods that have nintendo on them
No Drifter need apply right????
And Pro with headjack I can live with that as option. Can't image the battery Drain though. Will that work when Docking with Pro controller. Now I can FortNite with mic and scream at gamers.....
They need to start manufacturing their controllers in Japan again so that they can release a model called… The Tokyo Drift.
I’m here all night folks.
@jrt87 Agreed. The joycon sticks are useless for anything requiring dual-analogue control, so I sold mine too.
My partner uses the Nintendo Pro Controller, but I was using a 8bitdo SF30 Pro until I upgraded to the 8bitdo Pro 2, and it is the perfect controller for what I need on the Switch. I love 2D retro games, so the d-pad and buttons are perfect, and the sticks, triggers and motion are really nice, so it is great for racers and the occasional retro FPS re-release.
I also occasionally use the Retro-bit Mega Drive and Saturn gamepads for SEGA flavoured stuff.
On a side-note, I don't play hand-held at all, and the Switch is docked 100% of the time and running through an mClassic cable, which fixes most of the image quality issues I have with it
Maybe it’s a gameboy or gba themed controller
(Also Joy-Con Drift isn’t even that bad)
@Bunkerneath
Maybe this one will actually work
Nintendo 64 Mini with wireless controllers.
@NikHogan You know what? I would love to see something like the Split Pad Pro (but with HD Rumble) from Nintendo.
This makes me think that we will get a switch pro, not as a new hardware launch, but a series of incremental upgrades. Oled screen, new dock, and potentially new controllers. It will be the "Triggers broom" of consoles.
You didn't even guess that it could be new joycons w/o drift, lol?
Well it's clearly not joycons since there's only one listing. I'd have to go with overpriced "official" earbuds. Not that it would help the horrible latency anyway.
Oh N64 controller would be amazing if they tweaked the thumb stick a bit to fix some of it’s problems.
I don’t know if a GB style controller would make much sense much sense. Maybe if it’s s like joy-cons. The GB was portable so I guess a game boy controller would have to make portable play more game boy like then. Since the game boy pretty much had the same controller layout as the NES, one controller for TV use brings little to nothing new to the table.
Also it would break the trend of making controller replicas, because now they’re making a game boy themed controller and not a replica.
I dunno, I want to believe it’s wireless n64 controller or new improved and fixed joycons
I don't get why they drop the speaker and the input jack on the controller, those were some of the most cleaver ideas of recent times. I remember playing other M and tripping with the sound of the tiny speaker on the Wii remote controller, a missed opportunity on switch
@EriXz It would be quite pointless on a portable console.
Maybe they should've added a 3.5mm jack to the Pro controller, but they never had one in their "Pro" controllers before.
When playing handheld you can either use bluetooth, USB-C headphones (if they support basic audio over USB) or 3.5mm wired headphones.
Headphone jack added, €10 more
@mr12calvin The pro controller and joy-cons already connect to the Switch via Bluetooth.
@sanderev I think it would been a nice addition on the pro controller
If what you have told me is true, you will have gained my trust.
Joy-con 2.0 with more drift.
I would like some sort of two-part control surface for a DAW (so handheld only, I guess?)
@Clarice Yep, this is what I was thinking of.
Analogue triggers please Nintendo.
@nkarafo and now you got me thinking about it again. 😏
I totally stopped buying and playing games on my switch because both my pro-controller and joy-cons are drifting to the point the even the switch menu is barely usable.
So I hope for a new quality improved controller.
@Cyz Like that's ever gonna happen
> HAC-001 is the 2017 Switch
> HAC-001(-01) is the 2019 better battery-life Switch
> HDH-001 is the Switch Lite
> HEG-001 is the Switch (OLED model)
> HAC-011 is the Joy-Con Grip
> HAC-012 is the Joy-Con Charging Grip
> HAC-013 is the Pro Controller
> HAC-014 is the Joy-Con wrist-strap
> HAC-015 is the left Joy-Con
> HAC-016 is the right Joy-Con
> HAC-017 is the Joy-Con steering wheel accessory
> HAC-022 is the Ring-Con
> HAC-033 is the NSO NES controller.
> HAC-042 is the NSO SNES controller.
HAC-043 is the device referenced in this FCC filing. I'd be shocked if this wasn't a new NSO retro controller.
I'm thinking that it'll be a wireless Nintendo 64 controller for NSO or a Joy-Con with additional features (such as a camera and/or microphone).
@ItsJustAnotherGamer
The left and right JoyCon are each separate devices, while this FCC filing only references a single device.
I'm guessing its either an N64 wireless controller for upcoming N64 Nintendo Online library release or possibly a controller for a Switch Pro console. Probably the former
I hope it's a N64 controller (with improved Control Stick and integrated rumble) for Nintendo Switch Online. I really want to hold a N64 controller in my hands again. 🥰
non driffting one hopefully
With this update, wondering on a surprise direct tomorrow, as they normally happen on Thursdays
Direct confirmed.
Maybe.
This is Post #100
This pretty much confirms a direct, no?
I bet it’s game specific. For Metroid or Pokémon maybe.
I would love this to be something with more Wii like pointer control. After all, House of the Dead releases soon and they have been very quiet about how that is going to work. I doubt it, but it would be awesome.
Game Boy doesn't need a specific controller for it. If the rumoured N64 games for Switch online are true though, an N64 classic controller would make sense cause those games don't always translate well to controllers that don't have at least 6 face buttons. Remapping N64 buttons to a more modern controllers for those games is kind of a nightmare.
I'll admit though, what I would really like to see, especially for a future new Switch model (the switch's successor) are JoyCon with analog triggers akin to those of the XBox One and Series S/X consoles. Driving and racing games especially need these so bad and potential future Gamecube releases would make so much more sense with those... and updated joysticks to avoid any future drift debacle on Switch 2. I understand why they may be stuck with their current ones now to ensure 100% compatibility in one ecosystem, but if they're gonna make a whole new Switch, scrap those crappy sticks once and for all, go for a different manufacturer.
I miss the days when Nintendo had unique redesign controllers for their consoles. The NES and Super NES were awesome cause you get newer redesign controllers late in their lifespan that made those consoles feel relevant. If the Switch had newer redesign joycons that are comfy to play that would be excellent.
@Clarice Ew.
If it's an N64 controller for NSO, then that begs the question........
....will it be on Joy Con rails like the SNES and NES NSO controllers?! !!
It's not like it would make the N64 controller any worse!!
When Oatmealdome talks, listen up.
@nocdaes
The SNES controller isn't on Joy-Con rails.
@Chamver just having a little bit of wordplay fun love. Nothing to get disgusted about. 😉
@Specter_of-the_OLED What if Nintendo actually designed a Joycon that didn't malfunction after being used for a year? I'm all for a more comfortable controller, but I'll take durable and reliable over comfort at this point.
Now if we could get all three; that would be AWESOME!
It's Nintendo so I'm thinking it'll be a gimmicky peripheral of some sort.
I really hope it's the N64 controller.
Knowing Nintendo, it will be a Gameboy shaped controller with a working screen that the video can be streamed to from the Switch similar to the Wii U gamepad.
I think it's a new AC adaptor.
What if it's the Pokémon Go Plus+? (whatever happened to that?)
Seems like FCC needs to fix its processes. If they've agreed confidentiality then why are they publishing manufacturer, model number and product type?
Was scrolling through Facebook yesterday & saw an ad for a 3rd party Nintendo switch controller called NYXI Wireless Joy-pad that looks really cool
Confidentiality expires Friday and there's a Nintendo Direct tomorrow? Eh. Probably a coincidence.
Better have a proper dpad
A new driftless Joy Con? We can dream.
@jrt87
You are absolutely right. I own 2 8BitDo's Pro 2 and never had any problem.
Hoping for proved, better quality joycon.
I bet it's either a N64 style controller, or a Gamecube one with actual analogue triggers.
I hope its N64 NSO
N64 is alive!
So we have specs but nothing in the forum of sketches of what it looks like or how it attaches to the Switch?
No longer a rumour
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